Autumn and Halloween hold a nostalgic place in our hearts. And part of that is watching Halloween-themed movies. So, grab some Halloween candy to munch on, settle in on the couch and turn on one of our “Top 10 Iconic Halloween Movies.”
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
Synopsis: In the town of Salem, the Sanderson sisters make their return when a teenage boy named Max lights a candle. Max and his younger sister then spend Halloween night trying to return the witches back to the abyss.
Our Rating: 6.5/10
The plot of Hocus Pocus may not be revolutionary, but what it lacks in innovation it makes up with nostalgic feel good Halloween mainstays: eccentric witches, fun songs, and the beautiful scenery of Salem. With both darker and lighthearted themes anyone can enjoy this movie!
Watch on Disney+
The Addams Family (1991)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Synopsis: Con artists plan to trick a spooky and eccentric family using an accomplice who claims to be the father, Gomez Addams’, long-lost brother in order to steal the family’s fortune.
Our Rating: 7/10
We love the plot of deception and thievery when money’s involved! It includes the iconic “Addams’ Family Theme Song,” lovable characters, as well some jokes that flew over our heads as kids, but we get now. The theme of family accompanies the freakish and fun atmosphere and the love they share for one another is prevalent throughout the film. There’s nothing too scary about it but it’s a fun and quirky take on family traditions with a twist.
Watch on Paramount or Amazon Prime Video
Beetlejuice (1988)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Synopsis: A newly deceased couple asks for help from a malicious spirit after they are driven out of their home when a family moves in.
Our Rating: 10/10
Beetlejuice has been a well known and beloved film for a long time and for good reason. The plot is unique and offers a twist on the afterlife and ghostly beings. With the addition of great songs such as Banana Boat (Day-O) by Harry Belafonte you’ll want to dance along with the characters. There is such a wide range of characters with different motives, traits, and personalities that you are consistently engaged. (Shout out to Winona Ryder who plays the goth teen daughter!) The film “Beetlejuice” contains dark humor (and at times, raunchy) which make it a fun watch. The special effects are definitely dated, though it has its charm with its stylized scenes. The puppetry and stop-motion add to its appeal and give it that Tim Burton touch. It’s a must watch for anytime of the year!
Watch on HBO Max
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Synopsis: Jack Skellington, tired of his life as Halloweentown’s Pumpkin King, ventures out to Christmastown. He plans to take Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus as well as bring his own version of Christmas to Halloweentown.
Our Rating: 8/10
Jack Stellington relates to most of us: “Tired of the same old thing” he sings in Jack’s Lament, composed by the incredible Danny Elfman. The soundtrack to this movie is impeccable and fills our hearts with the joys of Halloween! The animation is top tier and the characters are all relatable in their own ways. The antagonist, Oogie Boogie, is not the best, kind of boring, but a good visual villain for kids to root against in order to save Santa Claus from his creepy grasp. The movie has two lessons to it. One being a controversial “Stick to the status-quo” and another being an encouraging “Be yourself.”
Watch on Dinsey+
Casper (1995)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52%
Synopsis: Within an abandoned mansion a young friendly ghost named Casper spends his days alone until a human father and his daughter move in.
Our Rating: 4/10
Based on the book and previous cartoons nostalgia definitely plays a factor when talking about this film. It’s a heartwarming story, but slow. The plot and main story can get lost with minor characters, a greedy widow, resurrection, and the exposition. The minor antagonists (if you can call them that) are other ghosts living within the mansion and are extremely annoying. The movie would do better without them. Casper definitely lives up to his name of Casper the Friendly Ghost. He is just a sweet boy who wants to explore friendship and young love. His perseverance and bright attitude is endearing and you will be cheering for him and Kathy. If you are interested in a sweet and family friendly Halloween movie this one’s for you.
Watch on Netflix
Halloweentown (1998)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Synopsis: A young girl finds out about her witch lineage from magical beings. She starts training as a witch to save Halloweentown with the help of her family.
Our Rating: 6.2/10
This movie embodies classic Halloween. The set, costumes, and wide range of magical creatures make it come alive. There is such an expansive magical world built within Halloweentown that we were wishing we could walk down the streets. This movie takes us through the motions of a dysfunctional family who become closer as they face relatable issues, like feelings of belonging, appearance and familial problems.
Watch on Disney +
Coraline (2009)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Synopsis: An eleven-year-old girl moves into a new house that has a door that leads to an alternate reality where her home-life seems perfect, but this new world has sinister secrets.
Our Rating: 9/10
Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s book, the claymation movie “Coraline” touches on important topics such as child neglect and gratefulness. There are many people who claim this movie traumatized them as kids. Rightfully so, since Coraline is an hour and forty minutes consisting of subtle jump scares, a constant creepy atmosphere and some mildly disturbing scenes. The clay animation, which is definitely one of the best among animated films, the plot and the cliffhanger ending make this Halloween movie one of our favorites.
Watch on Hulu & Amazon Prime Video
Corpse Bride (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Synopsis: Victor and Victoria’s families have arranged their marriage. As Victor is practicing his vows in the woods, Emily, the corpse bride, accepts his vows, thinking they pertain to her, and drags him to the land of the dead.
Our Rating: 8/10
Corpse Bride shows us the beauty of moving on and letting go of the past in hopes for a brighter future filled with peace. This film ironically shows a dark and melancholic land of the living compared to a bright and jolly land of the dead. Its creepily aesthetic animation, songs and heartfelt characters make it a classic. Corpse Bride shows how love prevails and karma will find those who do wrong.
Watch on HBO Max
Goosebumps (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Synopsis: A teenager teams up with the daughter of young-adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free in the town of Madison, Delaware. (IMDb)
Our Rating: 6/10
ThThis film starts slowly, with exposition and world building, but once the characters from the books came alive it became very entertaining. It’s a humorous movie with touches of a blooming love story. The acting is convincing and unsurprisingly, Jack Black shines. It’s suspenseful with cliffhangers, throughout. If you’re a fan of the Goosebumps books and action -packed and humor-filled movies, this one’s for you.
Watch on Netflix
Frankenweenie (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Synopsis: Victor Frankenstein, a shy kid who loves science brings his dead dog, Sparky, back to life. Victor’s friends uncover his secret and start to bring dead animals to life, resulting in disastrous consequences.
Our Rating: 7/10
We love our pets and Frankenweenie pulls on our heart strings, like only a pet can. The black and white visual choice for the animation pays homage to the original Frankenstein (1931). Though a bit slow, the film is a cute underrated Halloween classic. It gives a new take on the story of Frankenstein, shows people not fear what they don’t understand, and embraces abnormality.
Watch on Disney+
These iconic Halloween movies are unique in their own ways but are similar in creating unmatched Halloween joy in our hearts. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.
Happy Halloween QSI!
